TGF-β expression in vulvar cancer

Abstract

Vulvar cancer accounts for about 3-5% of all female genital carcinomas. TGF-β protein is a member of a superfamily of cytokines that regulate cell functions. A correlation between this protein and many neoplastic processes was reported. Objectives: In our study we analyzed TGF-β expression in vulvar tumor among patients with diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma (with and without inguinal nodes metastases). Material and methods: Paraffin embedded blocks obtained from vulvar tissues and inguinal nodes (from 31 patients with vulvar carcinoma FIGO II-IV) were prepared. Next, the hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed. Monoclonal antibody NCL-TGF-β was used for immunohistochemical tests. Results: Higher expression of TGF-β in cancer cells corresponds to more advanced cancer stages (FIGO). A positive correlation between TGF-β and metastases, as well as a number of inguinal nodes metastases was observed. The ratio between the number of stained cells in vulvar tumor and of inflammatory cells proved to be higher in FIGO stage III than IV. Possibly, TGF-β increase in vulvar tumor contributes to the breakdown of immunological processes limiting cancer progression. Higher TGF-β expression leads to metastasis in regional lymphatic nodes. Conclusions: TGF-β overproduction is observed in vulvar neoplastic processes. In early stages of carcinogenesis TGF-β inhibits cancer cell proliferation, but in more advanced stages it accelerates cancer progression by inhibiting the immunological response.